In Charms class I learn accio, the spell that pulls objects (and enemies) to me. One of my classmates is Natty, a girl from Uganda whose mother is the new Divination Professor. Natty, in Griffindor, is kind and adventurous.
We learn levioso, the spell that floats objects (and enemies), in Defense Against the Dark Arts class. I duel another classmate, Sebastian, in front of everyone. From Slytherin, Sebastian is a rule-breaker who’s also helpful and curious.
Using accio to play Summoner’s Court, a rare and delightful mini-game.
The houses don’t segregate as they do in the Potter books. Students mingle without making favorites. None of the rivalry exists (possibly because the game decided to avoid quidditch). Playing as a moustache-twirling Slytherin isn’t possible. Our student character can do a few selfish things, but nothing that would count as going to the dark side. (It’s one of the game’s weaknesses.) However, the game does use our perception of Slytherin as evil. We keep waiting for Sebastian to do something nasty. He’s not completely nice — he’s the person who teaches us the Unforgivable Curses — but he never stabs us in the back.
Because my school supplies were lost in the dragon attack, one of my friends (Natty or Sebastian) will take me to Hogsmeade to replenish. It’s a short walk from Hogwarts’ grounds to the village.
The fan service in this Hogsmeade is beautiful. All the shops we expect — Zonko’s, Honeyduke’s, The Three Broomsticks, and even Ollivander’s with his ancestor running the wand store — are here.
As we prepare to grab a butterbeer, a very large troll wearing a glowing red collar attacks the square. We fight. I learn that I have an ancient magic super attack.
Walking through the village we follow someone in a top hat and spy on a meeting. Two men, Victor Rookwood and Harlow (a rough sidekick in a bowler), argue with Ranrok. They were supposed to capture me, the “child”. They failed; Ranrok threatens them.
Sebastian and I sneak away, but we’ve been spotted. Rookwood follows us into The Three Broomsticks. Luckily, Sirona (the woman who owns the pub) and other customers step forward to defend us. Rookwood leaves, and we return safely to our dorms.